Biogen Idec Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Biogen Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Cambridge-based drug maker and supports science education and human services in Boston and beyond.

FUNDING AREAS: STEM education, human services, children and families

IP TAKE: This funder has restructured its grantmaking programs and is more focused than ever before now.

PROFILE: The Biogen Foundation is the grantmaking arm of the Biogen company and plays a significant role on the Boston philanthropy scene. The funder works to “care deeply” and is dedicated to “inspiring the next generation of scientists through our support of youth and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and to being agents of positive change with lasting impact by building stronger and healthier communities.” Biogen invests in science education, healthy communities, and recently, COVID-19.

Foundation grants largely focus on hands-on science education and teacher development opportunities in science. However, the foundation also supports college readiness for students and basic social needs. These include child hunger, poverty, and social mobility. Biogen has also dedicated $10million to COVID-19 relief efforts focused on testing, easing burden on the healthcare workers and systems, and providing necessities and food for the most vulnerable populations effected by COVID.

As a corporate funder, this foundation matches employee gifts up to $25,000 per employee for grants that go towards everything from camps for critically ill children to disaster relief efforts and other nonprofit causes locally and globally. Significant local grants have gone to science museums and STEM education programs.

A majority of foundation grants are between $5,000 and $50,000, although some grants have been in the millions of dollars. Learn more about this foundation’s giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking is largely focused on the Greater Boston area and North Carolina.

This funder accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The application form is online and includes an application guide and FAQ page. Direct general questions to Biogen at 781-464-2000.

PEOPLE:

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